L to R: Brooke Donnelly (Coles); Elissa Garling, Mick Hewitt, James Newlands, Xavier McCluskey (Hewitt);
Martin Smithson and Leah Weckert (Coles)
LARGE scale Certified Organic red meat producer Hewitt has been announced as national retail chain Coles’ 2024 Sustainability Supplier of the Year for its Cleavers Organic range of meats, cementing its position as a leader in Australia’s organic red meat industry.
The Coles’ Supplier Partner Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Coles suppliers across various categories including meat, seafood and deli, fresh produce, bakery, liquor, supply chain, community champion, sustainability and ecommerce.
The Sustainability category was awarded for Hewitt’s commitment to sustainability through managing and investing in water conservation, prioritising renewable energy, and leading packaging innovation to reduce waste.
Cleavers Organic is one of the largest and most popular proprietary brands in the Coles chilled cabinet and continues to innovate to meet changing trends and tastes. The program has been built on an organic-first ethos and a commitment to quality.
Twenty-five years in-market has enabled the brand to solidify and grow in the delivery of new value-add products to increase consumer demand, both in store and online.
In a statement, Cleavers emphasised its brand ethos, underpinned by its ethical pillars:
Certified Organic – Cleavers is Certified Organic and raised in Australia, free of GMOs, antibiotics, added hormones, synthetic chemicals and artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. Livestock live entirely free range on Australian Certified Organic paddocks. All Cleavers Organic beef and lamb is grass fed and finished.
Animal welfare – Cleavers livestock are Certified Organic by Australian Certified Organic (ACO), living and interacting as they would in nature.
Packaging and waste reduction – With a focus on the future, Cleavers has also recently rolled out new paper-based trays made from recyclable and sustainably sourced materials. The packaging contain 75pc less plastic than equivalent packs using plastic trays and labels.
Sustainability research
Behind the scenes, across 2023-2024 and in partnership with MLA, Bush Heritage and Integrity Ag, Hewitt undertook the first and largest sustainability research study of its kind, the Food For The Future study.
The study involved mapping biodiversity and natural capital across 2.3 million hectares of grazing land in Australia, and yielded vital and industry-leading opportunities for Hewitt and its supply chain to continue world-class regenerative farming programs.
The Food For The Future study, and the involvement of key independent third parties, was recognised by Coles as an important element of the Sustainability Award win.
Hewitt chief executive Mick Hewitt said the Coles award was a tribute to the hard-working Hewitt team and supply chain, their passion for organic and high-claims meat products, and their focus on excellence.
“This is a recognition of our commitment to certified organic practices that deliver ethical meat products of exceptional quality and taste to Australian consumers,” Mr Hewitt said.
“Our team has worked hard over the years to build Cleavers as a market leader in organic red meat products. Our focus on sustainability and simple philosophy of treating the land, animals and people well has cemented a winning position in the hearts and minds of Coles customers.”
He acknowledged the work of Hewitt’s director of livestock, Peter Gall, considered a “founding father and pioneer of Australia’s organic red meat sector.”
“Peter’s in-depth knowledge, long-term relationships and passion for success has been key to the growth and success of Hewitt and Cleavers Organic today,” Mr Hewitt said.
Source: Hewitt